RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- If you went to a Durham Bulls baseball game or NC State football game over the past few years you probably got the chance to see the one and only, Ripken The Bat Dog. Ripken's owner's announced on Instagram that he passed away on New Year's Day from complications from a serious and undiagnosed medical condition.

Ripken the Bat Dog, the endlessly eager black Labrador who charmed fans at Durham Bulls and NC State University football games, has unexpectedly died. The Rainbow Bridge braces itself for its most boisterous resident.

Ripken, a beloved black lab and friend to several Triangle sports teams, has died. Ripken, a beloved black Labrador Retriever and friend to several Triangle sports teams, has died. Ripken died on New Year's Day after "suffering complications from a serious,

Ripken the bat dog, a staple of the North Carolina sports community, died on New Year's Day. Here's what we know and how he’ll be remembered